PetSmart gets new lead dog

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PHOENIX — PetSmart announced that its current president and COO David K. Lenhardt will assume the role of CEO, effective June 14, following the annual meeting of stockholders. Lenhardt will also be appointed to the board of directors at that time. Bob Moran, current chairman and CEO, will be appointed executive chairman.

Lenhardt joined PetSmart in October 2000, as SVP services, strategic planning and business development. He was appointed SVP store operations and services in February 2007, and, in February 2009, became the SVP store operations and human resources. In January 2011, he became EVP assuming additional responsibility for information systems. He was appointed president and COO in January 2012. Prior to joining PetSmart, Lenhardt worked at Bain & Company Inc., as well as in Merrill Lynch & Co.’s investment banking division.

Moran, joined PetSmart in July 1999, as president of North American stores. In December 2001, he was appointed president and COO, and in June 2009, he was named president and CEO. In January 2012, he was appointed chairman of the board and retained his title of CEO.

Joseph O’Leary, EVP merchandising, marketing, supply chain and strategic planning, will be named president and COO. O’Leary, age 54, joined PetSmart as SVP supply chain in September 2006. He was appointed SVP merchandising and supply chain in October 2008. In January 2011, he was promoted to EVP merchandising, marketing, supply chain and strategic planning.

“During the last several years, we have focused on and invested in strategic succession planning, and as a result, we’ve assembled what I believe is one of the best leadership teams in retail,” said Moran. “Looking ahead, this planned management succession will allow us to remain focused on executing the strategies that have been key to our success over the past several years. David is the perfect leader with the experience, vision and ability to continue to lead PetSmart through the current economic challenges and toward a strong and sustainable future.”